Easter... Be "Hoppy!"

                                  "Rockport Resurrection" - For Allison

This is a different kind of Easter for certain. Any sense of celebration this year pales in comparison to most others... no matter our tendency to (over) chocolate coat and to place the great focus on family turkey dinner gatherings.

The streets are bare... and the rush in the candy departments and butcher shops is non-existent in my eyes. It is, at best... a halfhearted feeling around in a very darkened world... coated mostly in fear and apprehension not in celebrating.

We are fast approaching the 3rd anniversary of of our dear daughter Allison's tragic passing on April 26th, 2017. All celebrations are much less than they were prior to her untimely leaving. We depend on each other to band together to help celebrate these events... if for no other reasons than for the young children we adore and the fact that Allie expected us to lead our lives fully in her honor. And we do that.

Each of us has our own unique approach to doing this... and the situation this year will test that to its fullest. We can't be together and share company and meals. How do e accomplish this???

Here's my own personal plan.  My plan has been running in full swing for over two weeks now:

"I paint... therefore... I am"

I have created a virtual gallery of small quick oil sketches on 5 x 7 inch panels. I place each as it is completed on its own small easel. The rack has three shelves , each shelf capable of housing three of these wee gems as they appear from my easel.

The subject matter is purposely varied. Yesterday's sketch was a tribute to my now grown sons Liam and Bryn. It has a definite Easter "feel" ... being a still life holding their treasured personal egg cups. Bryn was Mouse... Liam the Loud Lion. Very appropriate!

 Overheard this morning: Liam to Bryn

"What do you mean... Easter is cancelled???"

Here is a shot recording the Grand Opening of our new and virtual Sherman Pandemic Paint Box Gallery. The virtual visitors have been very supportive and enthusiastic. Could this perhaps not... be just a joke???

I wonder...

I will venture out soon to pay a visit with Allison... at her commemorative tree planted in her honor on the Kingston waterfront in front of the Kingston General Hospital where she received treatment s... and finally passed. IT is the place where the Sherman Circle of Loved ones and Friends meet to honor her on special occasions.

Then back to my easel to complete another Pandemic Painting.

Stay tuned...

PS  Happy Easter to all! Stay Home... and Stay healthy! Blessings to your house from ours!

"This too... shall pass."

Looking... and Painting... Thoughtfully

As artists, we are often led to believe that our thinking and painting must reflect a deep and highly intellectual idea... a novel idea, or unique approach. We then search relentlessly... and often actually contribute to the "blocks"to our productivity in searching thus.

One strategy that I employ in my own painting process is to cross reference various activities that I enjoy one to another. I love to walk... usually favoring early morning or late in the evening. That might mean being up before sunrise, or conversely after dark... especially on moonlit nights.

In both cases, I am seeking an uninterrupted solitude. It within these quiet spaces  when my creative mind can perform the mindful gymnastics and connect with the natural world around me.

I would offer these next few glimpses of paintings that represent the dividends  coming out of this approach.

"Jail Birds"- 10 x 12 inch oil on canvas

This light - filled, yet moody subject incorporates two (on the surface) unrelated elements. The building located in Hillsdale, for many years served as a jail to hold law breakers until they could be transported to a larger center for trial.

On the ground, oblivious to the location... blackbirds conduct their late evening meal... readying themselves for their fall migration southward. The color in the backdrop subtly alludes to that fact.

Sometimes... a simple observation in an everyday setting can elevate the smallest "idea"... turning it into a gem. The choice of a thought- provoking title adds even further to the appeal. Word play is as well... a valuable asset in choosing one's ideas to paint.

I have held this post in reserve for a very long time now... which is not at all unusual for me. I often by greeting cards in a similar fashion because the image and thoughts capture my imagination and visual tastes. Such is the case here.

I have not posted intentionally for a very long period of time and I has actually come to the site this morning to shut it down permanently. I spend a lot of time... thinking about the message and the artwork and the word content to support each post. 

Lately, I have struggled to maintain my optimism for Blogger as a social medium platform. That has not changed. I  am offering today's post to try... one last time to bridge the troubled water here and in the world today because of the pandemic threats.

I have switched my attention to Face Book and have been posting with good success and enthusiasm. I have been creating and posting small 5 x 7 inch oil on panel paintings with a short message. It has been well received and my Faith for the recovery process has been revitalized. So here is a sample you can use as a yard stick of worth. Head to Face Book... if it suits your fancy.

In any event, I offer blessings and prayers for each of the circle of friends who have been so faithful along my blogging journey. Stay well... and  STAY INSIDE... practice social distancing... if you must go outside!

"Down to the River, Ivy Lea" - 5x7

 inch oil on panel

"Homeward Bound, the Canadian Palisades" 

- oil on panel 5 x 7 inches

"Looking Up Loon Lake" 

- oil on panel 5 x 7 inches

"River B(U)oys... Waiting For Spring" 

- oil n panel 5 x 7 inches

"Guild's Boat Livery, Mallorytown Landing

- oil on panel 5 x 7 inches

"Spring... Spanning Winter"

-5 x 7 inch oil on Panel